Eco Fashion World

Are you making good resolutions for 2009? Like reducing your footprint to a sexy stiletto size? Then have a look at these great shoe brands that will definitely give you inspiration on how to pursue your goals. They're not only eco but most of all perfect to dance yourself into the New Year tomorrow!

A pioneer in animal friendly footwear is Beyond Skin, founded by Nathalie Dean. She was working in the make-up industry when she decided to turn from vegetarian to vegan. After getting rid of the larger part of her enormous shoe collection, she realized there weren’t many attractive vegan shoes on the market. The only resolution to this unfulfilled need back in 2003 seemed to start up her own shoe brand. It took some time to develop the right materials and learn about design, but by now, Beyond Skin has been spotted on the feet of celebrities such as Natalie Portman and Sadie Frost. If you shop today, you’ll have a 25% discount on the winter collection as well as the exclusive Sui Generis collection.

In the meantime, the ethical market for dressy footwear has welcomed some newcomers such as Hetty Rose and Kitty Cooper. Both designers are UK based and produce their works of art from vintage fabrics. Hetty Rose's heels are handcrafted from exquisite vintage Japanese kimono fabrics while Kitty Cooper uses rich brocade curtains to create truly glamorous slingbacks and mules. If you're looking for something really special to wear with your party outfit, be sure to visit their websites!

If you're looking for something less colorful but more affordable check out the new kid on the block Georgette. Belgian Twin sisters Katleen and Liesbet use luxurious faux leathers for their pumps and work with small run family companies in Italy and Spain. Their love for animals is shared with designer Elizabeth, the founder of Olsen Haus. Dedicated to bringing beautiful shoes to style-led women, US based brand Olsen brings thrilling avant-garde design heels and boots. Similarly charming are the creations of friends Jodi and Lauren who devoted themselves to shoes after careers in Silicon Valley. Charmone turns Italian microfibers into metallic pumps that will certainly look good on the dance floor.

If all this food for shoe addicts isn't enough yet, we cheer the collaboration between Melissa and designers such as Vivienne Westwood. The Brazilian company produces fair trade in such a way that shoes can be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan. They are available online at EcoCitizen.

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